Course overview

This degree thinks beyond the numbers and makes sure your learning is applicable to real-life situations by giving you both theoretical and practical skills and knowledge. This course will equip you with business-critical skills and knowledge that are transferable in any sector. It will teach you the accounting and financial strategies that underpin the running, operation and performance of organisations, which you can apply to any business. Additionally, the course focuses on digital aspects of accounting, and covers environmental, social and governance areas.

We work closely with professional bodies to optimise exemption opportunities from professional body examinations.

The course is delivered by Aston Business School which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

Why Accounting and Finance at Aston University?

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

Professionally accredited

This programme leads to accreditation or exemptions from several professional bodies, including CIMA, ACCA, ICAE, and AIA

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Earn more

Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £33,200 three years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025)

Top 100 in Europe

Aston Business School ranked 15th in the UK and 90th in Europe (Financial Times European Business Schools ranking 2025)

Top 5% in the world

Top 5% of global evaluated institutions (QS World University Rankings 2026)

Hear from Carina

Carina discusses why she chose the course at Aston University

Paresh's story

Paresh Bodhani shares his experience of studying Accounting at Aston University, and how the course helped him in setting up his own successful accountancy practice - Onyx Accountants Ltd.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability

Discover Power Skills

Course description

BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance

Our BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree at Aston University will provide you with the essential skills, in-depth knowledge and practical experience required to analyse financial data, make informed decisions and contribute to the financial health of organisations in today's complex business landscape.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a mixture of industry professionals and academic experts who will inspire and excite you. Our degree is informed by our research-active teaching staff who are at the forefront of key accounting and finance research topics with some members researching green and ethical business.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a passion to learn and an ambition and drive to excel. A willingness to ask questions and take risks.

What skills we teach
You will develop proficiency in the core technical aspects of audit, tax, and governance and a professional scepticism in reviewing business intelligence and data. Alongside digital skills, you'll master effective decision-making, communication, teamwork, business acumen, and awareness. Your accounting and finance expertise will equip you with valuable analytical and problem-solving skills, applicable across various business disciplines.

Placement year
We all know that taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. It’s for this reason that we encourage every student to take one. The placement year gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.

The placement year is compulsory for BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance students. International students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but we strongly recommend that it is completed where possible.

Career prospects
As an Aston University Accounting and Finance graduate, you will be equipped for a range of different career options. Our recent graduates have gone on to work across the public, private, and third sectors for a variety of organisations.

How you will learn

Our teaching approach is both modern and innovative. Alongside traditional lectures and training in the latest analytical tools, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience during your placement, enhancing your overall learning. You will also participate in workshops, seminars, group activities and practical and experiential learning, as well as enhancing your communication and presentation skills. At the beginning of your course, you'll be assigned a personal tutor for individual study guidance. Module tutors are readily available to answer questions, and all lectures are recorded for future reference.

Complementing traditional teaching, our virtual learning environment provides electronic support materials. You'll have access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals. University-wide services like the careers service, Jobshop, counselling and advice services, sports facilities, and Chaplaincy enhance your overall university experience and prepare you for your professional career.

Aston University also offers an array of extracurricular activities, including clubs and societies like Aston Bright Futures, which works with leading businesses across various sectors. These activities not only enrich your student experience but also help you explore your specific interests and career pathways.

What you will learn

You will study financial accounting, management accounting, tax, audit and financial management. These topics will prepare you for an adaptable and dynamic workplace and career, allowing you to become a professional accountant in the modern world, using digital skills, ESG and emerging issues.This theoretical understanding will be applied to real-life situations during your integrated placement year before you tailor your final year to the areas in which you want to specialise. Accounting and finance are brought to life through case studies and examples from real businesses, plus creative coursework opportunities where topical business case solutions will be explored. The course will allow you to become a future-proof accounting professional.

First year

In your first year, you will study a wide range of business subjects, gaining the broad insight into knowledge, capabilities, and skills required by all accounting professionals. You will study topics designed to give you a solid foundation for your future studies.

Second year

From the second year you will explore financial and management accounting in depth, covering differing entities, private to public sector, as well as a deeper understanding of tax, audit and governance. This year also allows you to choose specialist areas via options covering leadership, management and the digital mindset. This year also includes placement preparation events in conjunction with our careers and placement team, that include both local, national and international organisations.

Placement year

The Aston University placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills. Our award-winning careers and placements team are on hand to support you through every step of your placement journey.

Placement stories

Final year

Accounting studies are taken to a more specialist and advanced level, similar to that of a professional level standards, retaining theoretical and critical analysis.

A journey of self-discovery

Find out how BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduate Syed Hasnat Ahmed embarked upon a journey of self-discovery during his unusual placement experience.

Discover Syed's journey

Course objectives

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of core accounting theory and technical competence, supported by the effective use of digital tools and data-driven approaches relevant to contemporary accounting and finance practice.
Apply knowledge and professional judgement to recommend and justify appropriate operational and strategic decisions, drawing on robust analysis, digital insight, and an awareness of organisational and market dynamics.
Locate, extract, analyse, and evaluate financial and non-financial data from multiple digital and traditional sources, synthesising evidence to form well-reasoned conclusions that support decision-making in practice.
Apply critical analysis, evaluation, and reflective thinking to their own work and that of others, demonstrating the ability to learn through experience and integrate insights from real-world business contexts.
Demonstrate a broad range of professional skills, including clear communication, collaborative working, enterprise capabilities, and holistic thinking, appropriate for employment in diverse and evolving professional environments.
Work effectively as independent, proactive, and self-managed learners, using digital resources and experiential opportunities to meet deadlines, solve problems, and successfully complete academic and practice-based tasks.
Take an ethical, socially responsible, and culturally sensitive approach to business situations, recognising the importance of sustainability, ESG considerations, and the broader societal context in which accounting operates.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Financial Accounting Fundamentals	15
Management Accounting Fundamentals	15
Skills and Tools For Accounting and Finance	15
Accounting History and Philosophy	15
Financial Reporting	15
Cost and Management Accounting	15
Introductory Economics and Law	15
Becoming an Accounting Professional	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate foundational understanding of key accounting and management concepts, including introductory digital, AI and sustainability considerations.
Apply accounting techniques including application to appropriate digital tools to produce accurate solutions.
Use structured reasoning to recommend responses in non-complex scenarios, showing awareness of innovation and responsible business practice.
Identify and use relevant data—including digital sources—to support clear, evidence-based conclusions.
Demonstrate emerging skills in critical analysis and reflection, including responsible use of AI tools.
Produce clear, well-structured written work using appropriate academic conventions and digital tools.
Demonstrate awareness of key professional, digital and interpersonal skills relevant to accounting and finance careers.
Work effectively as an emerging independent learner, using digital and AI-enabled tools to support study and task completion.
Show introductory understanding of ethics, environmental sustainability, governance and the societal role of accounting.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Business Reporting	15
Business Decision Making	15
Accounting for Public Benefit Entities	15
Taxation Principles	15
Audit and Governance	15
Financial Management for Accounting	15
Total	90

In term 1 you will choose one of the following optional modules:

Module Title	Credits
Strategic Analysis and Leadership	15
Business Excellence	15
Enterprise Systems	15

In term 2 you will choose one of the following optional modules:

Module Title	Credits
Business Government and Society	15
Digital Organisations and the future of work	15
Digital Strategies for the Modern Enterprise	15

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Apply core financial and management accounting theories to analyse organisational issues, including those relating to digital transformation, AI use and sustainability.
Apply accounting techniques to more complex scenarios, using digital and AI-enabled tools to evaluate alternative solutions and justify the most appropriate outcome.
Use quantitative and qualitative analysis to make sound managerial recommendations, considering innovation, responsible business practice and environmental impacts.
Identify, evaluate and integrate data from diverse sources—including digital datasets and AI tools—to produce coherent, evidence-based analysis.
Critically evaluate professional practice, regulatory requirements and organisational approaches, forming well-reasoned conclusions.
Communicate concepts, analysis and recommendations clearly and appropriately for different purposes, using digital tools to enhance clarity and professionalism.
Take responsibility for academic progress and employability, reflecting on developing digital capability, enterprise skills and potential contributions to future professional roles.
Apply an ethical, culturally aware and sustainability-oriented approach to governance and analysing business and public-benefit accounting issues, recognising the broader societal role of accounting.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement year

Module Title	Credits
Integrated Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Identify and analyse an issue or process relevant for the placement organisation using academic theory and/or techniques.
Recommend appropriate actions for the placement organisation.
Evaluate the use of academic theories and/or techniques in analysing issues, processes, and supporting recommendations.
Reflect upon and articulate their own learning, plan and implemented strategies to build upon this learning.

Final year modules

In your final year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Business Reporting	15
Strategic Performance and Insights	15
Emerging Issues in Accounting & Finance	15
The Consulting Challenge	15
Total	60

In term 1 you will choose two of the following optional modules:

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Taxation	15
Advanced Audit & Assurance	15
Strategic Management and Innovation	15
Responsible Leadership	15

In term 2 you will choose two of the following optional modules:

Module Title	Credits
International Finance	15
Forensic Accounting	15
Implementing Business Decisions	15
Business Ethics	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final year outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Integrate advanced theories, concepts and techniques from accounting and management to explore and evaluate complex organisational and reporting issues across diverse contexts, including digital, sustainability-related and emerging professional developments.
Apply accounting and analytical techniques to challenging organisational situations, using digital tools, AI-enabled analysis and professional judgement to evaluate options and develop robust solutions.
Justify appropriate managerial and strategic resolutions based on integrated evaluation of financial, non-financial, sustainability and performance information.
Apply professional scepticism to identify when information should be challenged, recognising incomplete, biased or technically incorrect data and assessing its implications for financial, sustainability and strategic reporting.
Prepare and present clear, concise and effective communications tailored to internal and external stakeholders, using digital technologies and data-visualisation tools to support clarity, insight for decision making.
Evaluate ethical dilemmas using structured frameworks and justify responsible responses, demonstrating understanding of sustainability, professional integrity and the wider societal role of accounting and finance.
Engage effectively with external organisations to investigate real business problems, apply disciplinary knowledge to generate evidence-based insights, and deliver professional outputs that demonstrate enterprise, initiative and readiness for graduate-level practice.

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations. The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

A Levels

BBB (standard offer)
BBC (with EPQ minimum grade B)
BBC (contextual offer)
Contextual offers

Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDD (standard offer)

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM (contextual offer)

The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.

31 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,5 in 3 higher level subjects.

You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3.

You must obtain a minimum of 21 credits at distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
Education and Childcare - grade D
Onsite Construction - grade D
Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
Digital Business Services - grade D
Digital Support Services - grade D
Health - grade D
Healthcare Science - grade D
Science - grade D
Accounting - grade D
Finance - grade D
Management and administration - grade D
Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Legal Services - grade D

GCSE Maths – grade B/5
GCSE English Language or English Literature – grade C/4

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a first year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 2 entry: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 2

Year 3 entry onwards: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 or final year.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

The fees set out below are not confirmed. We will update this webpage with the confirmed fees for 2027/28 by 31 July 2026.

UK students
(2027/28)

First year tuition fee:	£10,050*
During placement year:	£1,250*

International students
(2026/27)

First year tuition fee:	£23,500**
During placement year:	£2,500**

*UK students (Home Undergraduate):

Subject to parliamentary approval, the first year tuition fee will be £10,050, increasing annually in line with inflation for subsequent academic years.

On 20 October 2025, the Government announced that tuition fees in England will be increased annually in line with inflation, starting in 2026. The Government have since confirmed that it intends to determine the inflation-linked increase using the Retail Price Index, although this is subject to parliamentary approval.

According to the Department for Education’s Policy Paper published on 26 November, the annual tuition fee for the Programme commencing in the academic year 2027/28 is expected to be £10,050, subject to parliamentary approval. If you are holding an offer at Aston, when the annual tuition fee for your Programme for the 2027/28 academic year has been confirmed, we will write to update you. We will also provide as much information as we can about the inflation-linked increase in tuition fees for future academic years.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this webpage and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. We expect to publish our 2027 entry Terms and Conditions in summer 2026. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

**International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The first year tuition fee and placement year fee are not confirmed. The annual tuition fee and placement year fee stated here are for the September 2026 entry for this course. The updated fees for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

Appropriate assessment strategies, though a mix of coursework, portfolio and examinations (examinations are required for professional body accreditation).

Career prospects

This course will make you career ready. Our graduates are in high demand by organisations that need managers who can combine broad-based and specialist knowledge in areas such as accounting and finance, marketing, business administration, and operations management.

Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £33,200 three years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025).

Our recent graduates were successful in finding graduate accounting and financial management roles such as:

Accountants associate
Commercial analyst
Auditor, tax analyst
Tax trainee
Risk consultant
Business analyst

Graduates went on to work at companies such as Carphone Warehouse, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), RSM UK, Deloitte LLP, BDO and Grant Thornton.

Dreaming big

Ali-Reza Panjwani talks about his experience at Aston University and how it propelled him to becoming an executive director at J.P. Morgan in New York City.

Discover Ali-Reza's journey

Aston Business School graduates achieve some amazing things - whether it's setting up their own businesses, landing competitive graduate schemes, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Simba's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I went on The Apprentice

Sunjay's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I worked with Kylie Minogue

Christine's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I founded a global football franchise

Frequently asked questions

Why study Accounting and Finance?

If you are interested in a career in either an accounting or a more broadly focused management role, or want a career leading a business or not-for-profit organisation, this course will equip you with business-critical skills and knowledge that are transferable in any sector.

If you want to progress into accounting roles, your accreditation exemptions mean that you will graduate with a proportion of the qualification already achieved. Accounting and finance knowledge and expertise provides you with significant analytical, problem-solving transferable skills that are valuable in all manner of business disciplines.

Does accreditation matter for Accounting and Finance?

Yes. You can graduate with recognised technical knowledge that can instantly be applied, whether that’s specifically in an accounting role or more broadly within business. You’ll get theoretical, technical and practical experience within this programme.

What is the Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway?

You can deepen your learning and stand out from other graduates whilst gaining a fantastic learning experience overseas. The Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway is similar to an exchange programme, but during your placement year you’ll follow a particular curriculum, setting you on the track for our partner institutions degree award. This means, if successful, you will graduate with two undergraduate degrees.

Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway

How will a placement year benefit me?

Whether you choose to study abroad or do a work placement, Aston University’s links with employers and universities around the world mean you will have a wide range of options to boost your employability and explore the world of work.

Our work placements give you the opportunity to apply what you have learnt on your course while gaining valuable professional and paid experience. It can enhance your graduate employment prospects and help you to make more informed career decisions. Around one in five of our placement students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employer.

Find out more

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham